In Vaashi, the film's focus centers around a case whose verdict is to be passed by a judge, depicted in an initial blurred shot. However, the audience remains unaware of the judge's background or thought processes even upon seeing his face. Ultimately, his decision holds the weight of finality, regardless of the actual truth. While the opposing lawyers can only present arguments, the audience must make their own judgement as one of the final shots in Vaashi is ambiguous and leaves room for interpretation.

In my opinion, Vaashi serves as a light-hearted counterpart to the newly-released Jana Gana Mana as both films explore perspectives, ethics, and the concept of right and wrong. Vaashi presents a specific incident that gains relevance in the context of the #MeToo movement in the Malayalam film industry as it delves into the topic of consent. However, the film falls short in effectively conveying all of its points.

Film: Vaashi
Director: Vishnu S Raghav
Cast: Tovino Thomas, Keerthy Suresh, Kottayam Ramesh, Vinu Mohan

The screenplay of the film contains several compelling ideas that, in my opinion, enhance its overall impact. One such idea is the inclusion of a married couple arguing against each other in court over a sexual exploitation case. It's particularly intriguing to see the wife defend the accused man while the husband defends the alleged victim. Both sides present their versions of what occurred between them, and Madhavi, an assertive and self-proclaimed feminist, believes the man's account to be truthful. On the other hand, Ebin, who is diplomatic and appears more sensitive, accepts the woman's testimony. He feels that her case must not fail as it could discourage other women from coming forward in the future.

The most significant obstacle hindering their progress is their family. One aspect of the film that I appreciated was how it tackled the issue of conflict of interest that arises when family members are involved. The scenes in which Ebin and Madhavi attempt to maneuver around unwanted requests and parental demands are quite amusing. This made me ponder the complexity of the personal lives of individuals working in law enforcement, including lawyers and police officers.

In Vaashi, Ebin and Madhavi are initially portrayed as "inexperienced" professionals, but Ebin gains an advantage when he receives a promotion to a public prosecutor role through a relative's recommendation. This creates an awkward situation for Ebin and Madhavi when the same relative asks for a favor, but Madhavi refuses to comply as she prioritizes facts over familial ties. Conversely, Ebin tends to avoid offending family members and may have reacted differently in this situation. The issue of family also complicates the central matter of the man accused of deceiving a woman with promises of marriage, which Ebin and Madhavi examine in court. In Vaashi, it seems that everyone is connected to somebody, further adding to the complexity of the situation.

Vaashi is most thought-provoking when it draws parallels between Ebin and Madhavi's dynamics and the case's specific details. For example, Madhavi discusses how communication issues can lead to misunderstandings, prompting debates between the two characters within the courtroom. However, the judge intervenes at one point, reminding them that it is not a television debate. The performances of Kottayam Ramesh as the judge, Baiju as a mutual friend and advocate of Ebin and Madhavi, and Rony David as the favor-seeking relative bring a much-needed balance and humor to the film, especially when tensions run high.

While Vaashi occasionally loses its momentum, especially in the third act, the performances of Tovino, Keerthy, Kottayam Ramesh, and Baiju help maintain interest. However, the film's intentions can be ambiguous at times, as it attempts to avoid taking a firm stance on the issue at the center of the story. For instance, the statement "There is no right or wrong; only perspectives and shades of grey" could be problematic, as it might be used to excuse or justify sexual abuse. Although the film resonated with me, I can't be entirely sure that all of its ideas are sound, given the limited runtime of two hours.

Fortunately, Vaashi doesn't rely heavily on melodrama, even when Ebin and Madhavi's relationship is impacted. Additionally, I was relieved that the script didn't feature parents who overreacted to Ebin and Madhavi's interfaith marriage. While they initially express some reservations, they come around to the idea later on. Without a doubt, the chemistry between Tovino and Keerthy is what propels the film. I enjoyed both the lighthearted moments and the moments of tension between the two characters. Ebin and Madhavi are both practical and empathetic individuals who attempt to keep their professional and personal lives separate, but they don't always succeed. This is a common experience for many people, isn't it?